Abstract
Purpose
To verify the efficacy of nonvisible micropulse diode laser irradiation in the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).
Methods
Twenty-two patients with CSC for a total of 24 eyes with a disease duration longer than 3 months were included in a prospective study. Patients underwent Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study visual acuity (VA) examination, dilated ophthalmoscopy fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography before treatment and during follow-up. Treatment with a micropulse diode laser was given with a duty cycle of 15%. Multiple spots were placed over and adjacent to the area of retinal pigment epithelium leak or decompensation.
Results
Mean follow-up was 14 months (range 3–36 months). Powers used ranged from 1 to 2 W (mean 1.35 W). Mean number of spots was 215 (range 90–400). Fourteen eyes were treated once, nine eyes received two to three treatments, and one eye had five treatments during a follow-up of 3 years. Subretinal fluid was resolved or improved in two third of cases 1 month after laser treatment, and in three-quarters at the end of follow-up. Mean retinal thickness was 328 μm, 197 μm, and 168 μm before, 1 month after irradiation, and at the end of follow-up, respectively. No evidence of RPE or retinal changes due to laser treatment were discernible in most of the eyes. Median VA was 20/32 (range 20/100–20/20) before treatment and 20/25 (range 20/200–20/20) at the end of the follow-up.
Conclusions
Nonvisible micropulse diode laser may have efficacy in the treatment of CSC. A randomized study with larger series is needed.
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